How to Get Into Agriculture With No Experience
Want to work in agriculture but don’t have any experience?
It can be hard to know where to start, especially if you didn’t grow up on a farm or don’t already have connections in the industry. But having no experience doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in ag.
We recently asked our Find My Crew community:
“What’s the best way to get into agriculture with no experience?” Here’s what they had to say.
Start with harvest
“Start with grain sampling at harvest. You’ll meet plenty of people in the industry.”
Harvest can be a great entry point into agriculture because there are plenty of seasonal roles that don’t necessarily require years of farm experience.
Grain sampling, bunker work, harvest labouring and other seasonal positions can give you practical experience while introducing you to farmers, contractors and other people working in the industry.
You might only start out looking for a few weeks or months of work, but the people you meet along the way can lead to your next opportunity.
Give smaller farming businesses a go
One member of our community suggested looking beyond the big operations:
“Small towns, small farmers are always looking for workers. Find a small business, work hard… Also it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Networking is important too!”
Smaller farms and agricultural businesses can be a great place to learn. You may get exposure to a wider range of jobs and have the opportunity to work directly alongside experienced farmers and operators.
If you’re new, be upfront about it. You don’t need to pretend you know how to do something you’ve never done before.
Being reliable, asking questions and showing that you genuinely want to learn can go a long way.
Show up and have a go
Sometimes the simplest advice is the best.
“Show up have a go.”
You’re not expected to know everything on your first day.
Agriculture involves skills that take time to learn. Machinery, livestock, cropping, fencing, maintenance and general farm work all come with experience.
What you can bring from day one is a willingness to listen, learn and give things a go.
Just ask
Another answer was only two words:
“Just ask.”
And there’s a lot to be said for that.
Call a local farmer. Speak to contractors. Ask around during harvest. Introduce yourself to agricultural businesses in your area. Tell people what sort of work you’re looking for and that you’re keen to learn.
You never know who might be looking for an extra set of hands.
Get to know people in agriculture
Agriculture is a big industry, but in many ways it’s a small community.
The more people you meet, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities.
Field days, agricultural shows, local sporting clubs, industry events and seasonal work can all help you build connections.
And once you do get an opportunity, your reputation matters. Being reliable and willing to work can lead to recommendations and future jobs.
And, of course…
One of our favourite responses:
“Look on the Find My Crew App”
We might be a little biased, but they have a point.
Find My Crew was built to make it easier for people across Australian agriculture to connect.
If you’re looking to get started, you can browse agricultural jobs and create a worker profile showing your availability, experience and the type of work you’re looking for.
You don’t have to wait until you have years of experience either. Be honest about where you’re at, what you can do and what you’re keen to learn.
Farmers looking for workers can then find and connect with you directly.
Everyone has to start somewhere
You might not have farm experience yet, but that doesn’t mean you have nothing to offer.
Be willing to learn. Ask questions. Meet people. Put yourself out there. Take opportunities to build experience when they come along.
Your first job in agriculture doesn’t have to be your dream job.
It just has to be your start.
Looking for your first opportunity in agriculture? Download the Find My Crew app, browse jobs across Australia and create your worker profile so employers can find you.
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